College Entrance Tests: Helpful Tips for You and your Kids

By María de los Ángeles Corral, The College Board
mcorral@collegeboard.org

With only a few weeks left to register for college entrance tests this academic year, it’s a good idea for parents to pass along some helpful tips to their children. These tests are among the most important a student will take in his or her lifetime, and they are an essential step in the process of applying to college.

“Yes, the SAT is a challenging exam, but it also helps families realize the bigger dream of having a college-educated child, of reaching beyond a high school diploma,” says Angela María García, an executive director of the SAT Program.

By taking the SAT®, a student can apply to any U.S. four-year college and, in turn, universities see how well he or she has mastered reading, writing and mathematics skills in high school. Strong skills in these areas are valuable if students are to do well in college.

“I believe that the scores say one thing, but a student’s personality says another,” says counselor Héctor González from John Hancock High School on the southwest side of Chicago. González works hard to help kids get into their dream colleges.

In fact, the exam is not the only factor universities consider to admit a student. Good grades, ambition and extracurricular activities are just as important as an SAT score.

There are ways a student can reach for the best possible score.

According to the College Board, students typically take the SAT once during the spring of their junior year and again during the fall of their senior year when scores are needed for college applications. Juniors have time on their side to study for the second time around.

Studies indicate that most students who take the exam a second time are more confident and familiar with the test so they are likely to raise their scores.

There’s no shortage of options to prepare. Students can take advantage of many free and low-cost practice tools, such as the full online practice tests and a daily SAT question offered at sat.collegeboard.com. Offline, students can find The Official SAT Study GuideTM in bookstores or the library.

García cautions families to be wary of companies that promise dramatic improvements in a child’s score in exchange for a high fee. Studies show that test-prep courses only improve SAT scores about as much as taking the SAT a second time.

Equally important is taking advanced-level classes and specific courses in English, mathematics, science, history, and a foreign language will prepare students not just for the exam but also for rigorous college work. Parents should consult with counselors to ensure students don’t miss out on seasonal offerings of these classes.

Parents and students might be relieved to hear there is no failing score. However, universities vary in what they consider acceptable ranges. It is likely the more selective schools will want higher scores.

Taking a college entrance exam may be intimidating, but it opens the door to a better quality of life for the whole family. Parents are encouraged to help their children register for the last SAT administration for this school year on June 5. Students can ask their school counselors about waivers for the $45 fee.

SAT Information

• The exam lasts 3 hours and 45 minutes

• The last SAT administration for the 2009-10 school year is June 5; the registration deadline is May 5 and late registration is May 19.

• Register at sat.collegeboard.com to choose a nearby test site.

• For more information, call 866-756-7346 or visit www.collegeboard.com/padres.